Vibration at 1100-1500RPM after water crossing...

[kylebacc]

So i went through some deeper water the other day (deep enough to fry my navi brain box under my passenger seat). I never shut the truck off the whole time I was out and it rain flawlessly. When I got home that night I parked the truck in the driveway and turned it off. Then an hour later I decided I was hungry, so I went to get some pizza a few miles down the road. Ran fine, but was raining at this point (I don't know if that helps at all).

When I was done at the pizza place, I went and turned the truck on. It started fine, all was good until I started to drive it, and it was driving like crap. I would keep my foot on the gas in one position and the RPM would go up and falter and sputter and just overall act badly. I sputtered home and parked it for 2 days so It could dry out and hopefully solve my problems. It did for the most part.

All that went away but now, when I am in gear and driving steady between 1100 and 1500 RPM I'll (for no apparent reason) get a pretty violent, but steady shaking/vibration. It doesn't always happen, but it happens most trips at least a few times. As soon as I left off the gas or push harder on it, it goes away.

I don't think it's the driveshaft. All the wheels are tight. I thought maybe it was something wrong with my 5th gear (when it seemed to be happening) but I have determined that it also happens in 4th gear at slower speeds (same RPM range). I was thinking maybe the actuator for the throttle is having issues at this particular position? It's a pretty fast vibration though...

No lights, no codes. Mechanic says: "That's how these modded trucks are, just drive it and enjoy it." But it sure as hell never did this before, so I find it hard to believe that it's just the nature of off road trucks lol

This is how deep *most* of it was. But there were definitely a few deeper parts (as I said, I flooded the inside a bit):

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...Any ideas?

 

[eskimochaos]

Do you have breathers on your diffs? If not they could be flooded with water.

That was pretty irresponsible - I watched all your videos. A 4runner is not a submarine - even with a snorkel.

 

[kylebacc]

Do you have breathers on your diffs? If not they could be flooded with water.

No I don't but the diffs were checked for water contamination and they came out clean. I may change the oils again just to rule it out though. And they will definitely be extended before the next time I go out during the wet season!

That was pretty irresponsible - I watched all your videos. A 4runner is not a submarine - even with a snorkel.

I don't recall claiming that a 4Runner is a submarine, snorkel or not. A 4Runner is also not a built rock crawler, sliders or not. But I don't recall you telling anyone that they were irresponsible for taking their truck to Moab and going up hell's gate. I'd appreciate it if you kept your opinions on my responsibility to yourself, even if that means you can't help me further with my issue (I see under your screenname that "you're opinionated"). Thanks, and I'm done with this part of this conversation, because I don't want to become an example for the new infractions system :biggrin2:

 

[Flyer]

That was an internet b!tchslap!:lasercannon:

I'd appreciate it if you kept your opinions on my responsibility to yourself, even if that means you can't help me further with my issue (I see under your screenname that "you're opinionated"). Thanks, and I'm done with this part of this conversation, because I don't want to become an example for the new infractions system :biggrin2:

 

[eskimochaos]

That was an internet b!tchslap!:lasercannon:

Watch his videos and see the kind of people he hangs out with.....'alll daaayyyy brooooo''

 

[Flyer]

Now I need to do this....

Watch his videos and see the kind of people he hangs out with.....'alll daaayyyy brooooo''

 

[eskimochaos]

at the end....

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[Flyer]

Hehe, I'll offend if I comment...:wink2:

 

[Flyer]

By the way, Eskimo- your's is the bestest avatar ever. I have no idea how you found it but :tongue:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

After a short drive check the transmission fluid. Perhaps you got some water in there irritating the TC and valve body. The last puddle crash with the big bow wave might have allowed some water in. I know you said the diffs were ok but what about the t-case (not likely to cause stated issue) and the trans?
:cheers:

 

[kylebacc]

Mechanic checked tranny/t-case as well and said all was good. I wonder if it's possible that I got just enough water in the tranny to cause the issue, but go unnoticed during a relatively quick check of the truck? But if that were the case, why would it only happen in this RPM range and in more than one gear? Thanks as always for your input Chris, I'll check the tranny fluid when I drive to meet with my family for dinner.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Mechanic checked tranny/t-case as well and said all was good. I wonder if it's possible that I got just enough water in the tranny to cause the issue, but go unnoticed during a relatively quick check of the truck? But if that were the case, why would it only happen in this RPM range and in more than one gear? Thanks as always for your input Chris, I'll check the tranny fluid when I drive to meet with my family for dinner.

Do you have access to compressed air? If so remove the coils like you were going to change the plugs but DO NOT remove the plugs. Blow air with an air gun and see if water settled in there.

The T4R's ignition varies spark intensity (voltage and amperage) based on load, rpm and a bunch of stuff. There's a remote possibility you've got some water in a plug or two and the coil is shorting in that rpm range.

 

[cgardnerma]

Irresponsible is not the right word, but it is also not the right way to do a water crossing unless you want water slammed into every possible orifice in your truck. You surely got something wet or muddy that doesn't like to be that way.

In general, I found the 4Runner to be a beast in the water, even without a snorkel, if you take it slow, keep the wake to a minimum and keep it steady with the throttle. I have done several crossing of water over the hood with no snorkel or breathers and no side effects -- not even any water in the cabin. Just keep moving, don't stop and don't slam it in there. There is also less risk of hitting that sunken boulder at 20mph and really doing some damage.

Did you check all the wheels, driveshaft and u-joints for caked mud?

 

[av8or]

ibtl..

 

[kylebacc]

Do you have access to compressed air? If so remove the coils like you were going to change the plugs but DO NOT remove the plugs. Blow air with an air gun and see if water settled in there.

The T4R's ignition varies spark intensity (voltage and amperage) based on load, rpm and a bunch of stuff. There's a remote possibility you've got some water in a plug or two and the coil is shorting in that rpm range.

Interesting info there about the spark intensity. I didn't know that. I don't have access to a compressor but I wonder if I could just get a can of keyboard cleaner and try that...

Irresponsible is not the right word, but it is also not the right way to do a water crossing unless you want water slammed into every possible orifice in your truck. You surely got something wet or muddy that doesn't like to be that way.

In general, I found the 4Runner to be a beast in the water, even without a snorkel, if you take it slow, keep the wake to a minimum and keep it steady with the throttle. I have done several crossing of water over the hood with no snorkel or breathers and no side effects -- not even any water in the cabin. Just keep moving, don't stop and don't slam it in there. There is also less risk of hitting that sunken boulder at 20mph and really doing some damage.

Oh I know that running it into the water is not the right way. But out of 30+ crossings that day, I figured "ahh what the hell" and let my buddy go with it once. It makes for good stuff to show chicks But now I'm paying for it, and I accept that consequence, and will probably learn that this 4Runner is not my $800 Ford Ranger with 245,000 miles on it :thumb3:

Did you check all the wheels, driveshaft and u-joints for caked mud?

I did. I was really hoping it would be something that easy at first lol good suggestion though, thanks.

ibtl..

I don't think it'll happen. I believe he's said all he wants to and I've finished as well.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't have access to a compressor but I wonder if I could just get a can of keyboard cleaner and try that...

That with some strips of rags and a pencil would probably get it. It's about getting in there and drying it out.

Leaving the coils off for a bit with a small table top fan blowing under the hood wouldn't hurt either... Get creative

The idea is the plug holes are deep and cable of holding a 'puddle' of water.

Have a can of Electrical Contact Cleaner or Electric Motor Cleaner and some di-electric grease on hand, you'll want both. You can have both items from a chain parts store for $10 or less.

 

[kylebacc]

Sweet I'll try it tonight when I get to Tallahassee tonight. Those coil packs seal pretty well in those holes but there is always a chance, especially since it wasn't just one time in the water.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I had another thought that takes the spark plug thing one step further...

If you find evidence of water but it's bone dry in there then consider the possibility of a cracked porcelin on a plug. If water did intrude onto hot plug it may have cracked a plug.

My whole water/plug thing is a bit of a longshot but within the realm of possible. I have personally repaired a vehicle that suffered from this. It wasn't a T4R but coilover plugs are coilover plugs...

IMHO all of this possible, cheap, easy and should be confirmed before you spend big money on other stuff.

I'd also unplug, spray and replug each injector wire.
:cheers:

 

[kylebacc]

I will do all that you have suggested so far. I got back home and haven't moved the truck since, because I have been busy trying to get everything lined up for school to start. I will post up as soon as I get around to doing these things. I hope you're right!

 

[kylebacc]

Update:

I haven't really driven the truck until today (since I got back on the 18th). I drove quite a bit today, and the problem seems to have resolved itself. I still intend to clean all the suggested items just to be safe and keep up with my truck, but now I think I'll put it off until next weekend (school starts tomorrow).

Thanks for the suggestions all, and I will let you know if the problem persists.